It was a momentous occasion for Motherwell Football Club last week. A trip to the national stadium for the first time in six years. Reaching a semi-final is not something that comes around very often for the club and its supporters.
The sentiment wasn’t lost on the ‘Well faithful. Over 8000 fans descended onto Hampden, brimmed with belief and hope. The result may not have gone the way they wanted, but Kofi Balmer ensures that the disappointment of coming up short won’t have a lasting effect on the squad.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted to end the day,” Balmer said.
“We went into the game wanting to get to the final; it didn’t happen, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. We pushed them right until the end, which this squad will always do.
“We’ve got to park that game now and focus on the upcoming matches.”
Arriving this summer from Crystal Palace, the run to the semi-final and positive start to the William Hill Premiership campaign has been ideal for Balmer, as he begins to understand the importance of this club to it’s community.
“The location of the stadium is very much a signal of how engrained the club is with the community,” he explained.
“The following that we’ve had for the semi-final and all the games to date has been nothing short of stunning. As a new player coming in, it’s helped me understand what it means to everyone.
“It gives me an extra bit of fight to ensure I put 100% in.”
He may have had to be patient initially, but having been given his opportunity on the pitch, Balmer hasn’t looked back and has put in a number of impressive displays. With that comes the recognition and reward.
With only a small amount of minutes played on the pitch, Balmer earned a late call-up to the Northern Ireland squad last month.
“I wasn’t expecting it, that’s for sure,” he laughed.
“There was no way I was match-fit. I’d just been sitting in the living room, and the phone went. It was the administrator for Northern Ireland, and they’d just said that Michael O’Neill wanted me to join up with the squad.
“It may have been last minute, but there was no way I was going to turn it down. Obviously, it’s great to be called up again this month.
“As a kid, it’s what you want to do. I think it’s not only my dream, but it’s my dad’s and brother’s dream because that’s what they wanted me to do when I was younger. It’s a great achievement, and it just shows what can happen when you get a run of games under your belt. Hopefully I can get that first cap.”
His move to Motherwell was calculated, however. Balmer had seen the past success stories of players who have come to Fir Park, impressed and got their call-up. Trevor Carson and Liam Donnelly being perfect examples.
“It’s a good place to get games,” he explained.
“I know a couple of boys who already came to Scotland, played games, and got the shout for their countries. I think the international stage was a big factor in me coming here; it’s now starting to pay off.
“But the club football will always come first for me. I’m under no illusions with that. The week-to-week is my priority.”
Balmer may only be 24-years-old, but the Northern Irishman has experienced his fair share in the world of football, all starting from the tender age of 16.
“I was only 16 when I made my debut for Ballymena United,” the defender added. “It was against Coleraine, which is a derby. It was a big game because we needed at least a draw to get into the European play-offs. I didn’t know what to expect, but I played the game, and I actually scored the equaliser.
“That secured the European spot, and I sort of cemented my place in the team. I played over 100 games for them before moving to Larne, where I played a season. The biggest European game I played in was against Malmo for Ballymena. It’s all helped shape me.”
Having burst onto the scene and becoming highly sought after, Balmer moved across the water to Crystal Palace, where he would train predominately with the academy team.
“When you were younger, you always wanted to go across the water as early as possible,” he explained.
“But in a way, I’m glad I didn’t because I was able to get that proper experience within the men’s game. I matured mentally and physically, which gave me an advantage over the other academy players at Palace when it came to maturity.
“When we got beat, it wouldn’t affect them as much. I was used to first-team football, where you’re fighting every week for as many points as possible. Playing back home helped me so much; if I moved younger, I don’t think I’d be in the position I am now. It gave me an extra push at a younger age.”
And where he is now is at the heart of the Motherwell backline. Having impressed since his introduction to the starting 11, Balmer has no plans on stopping.
“I want to win as many games as possible,” the 24-year-old said.
“Our target is to win the next game. I want to stay fit and play as many games as I can. I have enjoyed it all so far. I’ve worked with Stephen Frail before; he was my Under 19s Northern Ireland manager.
“The gaffer knows what he wants, and if he sees something you can improve on, he’ll coach it into you. That’s the way it should be. It’s been great to be back in the first-team environment; it’s where I’m comfortable, and hopefully we continue to pick up points in the league.”
